Pages

Friday, March 26, 2010

"As a responsible and safe cyclist, Ben would’ve appealed for calm in light of the situation. Fellow cyclists who wish to show their support for Ben are advised to attend the funeral mass with their cycling helmets instead. Please be appropriately dressed for church."

"One of two cyclists hit by car in Clementi dies," by Mavis Goh. The Straits Times, 25 Mar 2010. Drink-driving suspect also under probe for hit-and-run offence.

The 62-year-old suspect, a general practitioner, could be facing more trouble as he is under investigation for a hit-and-run offence.

The Straits Times understands that he had left the scene after the accident, and returned later. He was arrested and is currently out on bail.

Mr Mok and his friend, Mr Bertram Leong Poh Meng, 22, a chef, had been out on a routine cycling trip on Sunday night.

The two of them were initially in a group of six, but were with just one other friend when cycling along Clementi Road. They were headed towards Upper Bukit Timah Road for supper when the accident happened.

Mr Leong is in the National University Hospital (NUH) with head injuries.

A secondary schoolmate, who did not want to be named, said Mr Leong had no recollection of the accident and remembered only being in an ambulance.

He added that Mr Leong was recovering and would be moved out of the high-dependency ward soon. Since the accident, Mr Mok's friends and family had rallied around his bed at NUH.

Mr Mok had been an active cyclist for many years and had ridden overseas in countries like the United States.

A close friend, Mr Nic Mok, 23, said the cyclist was very particular about road safety and had always insisted on wearing full safety gear such as helmet and gloves, and having front and rear lights when on the road.

'I was distraught when I heard the news. It was shocking because he is usually very cautious,' he added.

He said the two of them used to cycle and train together, often past midnight, about five times a week but had cut down the frequency because they had difficulties fitting into each other's schedule.

Mr Mok said his friend did not mind cycling alone, usually in places like Lim Chu Kang and Mandai roads.

Mr Steven Lim, 43, president of Safe Cycling Task Force, said cyclists are vulnerable on the road because of their size and speed.

'Generally when cyclists are travelling on the left lane, other motorists tend to squeeze in with them instead of giving them space,' he added.

Last year, 17 cyclists and pillion riders died on the road, down from 22 in 2008.

The police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information can call the police on 1800-547-1818."

It's refreshing to read in the news that a group of 60-84 is on a cycling trip around Singapore (140km). This is a great demonstration that cycling produce fit people. I recall the days in Holland seeing old folks cycling along the high street, occasionally stopping by the shops, buying breakfast or have a coffee. Street is safe and lively. Most of the older colleague I know are rather fit and active. On my first week started work there, I was surprised to see so many old folks in the Saturday market. "This is a really ageing society!" I thought. Later I realise, most of their elderly are much more active compare to people of similar age in Hong Kong. They keep cycle to shop everyday.

I remember one day I was surprised to find a drawing of a 14 meters boat on my colleague's drafting table. Tinus, my colleague, is a TV designer and is about to retire at the age of 65. He was looking forward to his retirement and is planning to built his own boat!

Research find people bicycling daily is physically 10 years younger than their inactive peer, generally living a more enjoyable and productive life. I saw so many people riding a bicycle to work everyday. It is no surprise that the ageing population in Holland is also the fittest.

I look forward to see the establishment of the first cycling town in Tampenis to be followed by the rest of Singapore. Imagine the productivity gain if most Singaporean become 10 years younger physically, thanks to frequent cycling to work? I am sure the happiness index will increase too, due to higher productivity and sense of self-worthiness.

Harry van Veen, 62, with 3 grandchildren and 2 dogs on his bike. he cycle 30km to his work